Frederick Ferber

Frederick “Fred” Ferber, age 75, Vietnam Army Veteran, of LaGrange Park. Retired Police Sergeant of LaGrange Park and longtime mentor of at-risk students at Hinsdale Central High School. Beloved husband of Marilyn Ferber, nee Mazur; fond father of Chuck (Linda) Ferber and Melissa (Ryan) Douglas; dear grandfather of Zaiden Ferber, Athan Ferber, Norah Douglas and Madeleine Douglas; brother of Jack (Cheryl) Ferber; uncle of many nieces and nephews. 

He passionately embraced his many interests from flying to writing to boating. One of his fondest childhood memories was racing #33, the Midwest Motor Mites quarter midget car with his brother. He went on to receive his pilot’s license on his 16th birthday, flew helicopters in the Army, taught Ultralight flight school and enjoyed soaring over Chicagoland with his Dad in their antique Piper Cub airplane. 

He lived a life of public service, particularly enjoying his time as “Officer Friendly”, educating local youth on the role of the police officer. Later, he was actively involved in the Commemorative Air Force which worked to acquire, reserve and preserve WWII combat aircraft in flying condition. 

He was a longtime member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) based in Oshkosh and the Palos R/C Flying Club. He enjoyed flying a variety of radio controlled model aircraft. 

His love of boating began with a canoe followed by a powerboat, sailboat, pontoon boat and a Nordic tug. During retirement, he was well known at Heritage Harbor Marina in Ottawa by his red tug boat, the Lady M, often striking up conversations with fellow boaters. His dream was to do the Great Loop, circumnavigating the waters of eastern United States and part of Canada and to win the Bassmaster Classic Fishing Tournament! 

He loved his wife, family and country. 

Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 2 P.M. to time of Service 6 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. 

Services will commence at 6:00 P.M. with Military Honors followed by The LaGrange Park Fire Department Acknowledgement.  Services by Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky.  Concluded by Family remembrances.

Interment Private. 

Memorials appreciated to the LaGrange Park Fire Department, 447 N Catherine Ave, LaGrange Park, IL 60526 or EAA Young Eagles, c/o EAA Aviation Foundation, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902 (https://www.eaa.org/donate) or the Commerative AirForce https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/support-caf

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the link above and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a sympathy card, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513 c/o Fred Ferber. We will gladly forward it on to the family